The group representing women damaged by the former Drogheda obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Michael Neary has pulled out of an inquiry set up by the Minister for Health, Mr Martin, to inquire into the affair. Eithne Donnellan, Health Correspondent, reports.
Announcing its decision yesterday, Patient Focus said it was withdrawing from the Neary inquiry because the inquiry's terms of reference were too narrow, and because the inquiry, as it stood, had no powers to compel witnesses to attend.
Its spokeswoman, Ms Sheila O'Connor, said it was with regret that it had come to its decision.
"The inquiry announced falls so far short of what is needed that the women have no option but to decline to participate."
She said that, following meetings with Mr Martin, Patient Focus believed the terms of reference would be expanded, but it appeared now this was not to be. She accused Mr Martin of behaving "in bad faith".
Dr Neary was last year stuck off the medical register after being found guilty of professional misconduct over the unnecessary removal of 10 patients' wombs.
An inquiry was promised by Mr Martin to look at how so many Caesarean hysterectomies were performed at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda without anyone investigating. Dr Neary worked at the hospital from 1974 to 1998.
A spokeswoman for Mr Martin said last night he was surprised and disappointed by Patient Focus's decision. He urged the group to meet him again to discuss the matter.